Sheet material carrier



All@ 18, 1970 R. n lcH ,SHEET MATERIAL CARRIER Filed April 24, 1968 INVENTOR. BY /L /6/-1 ZQ Patented Aug. 18 1970 3,524,670 SHEET MATERIAL CARRIER Ratomir Ilich, 241 E. Casey Road, Campbell, Calif. 95008 Filed Apr. 24, 1968, Ser. No. 723,664

Int. Cl. B65g 7/00 U.S. Cl. 294--16 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present inventionrelates to an article handling device, and more particularly, is directed to such a device for gripping and carrying sheet material.

In the prior art, various types of sheet material handling devices have been provided. Certain of these employ gripping shoes which are adapted to be selectively extended into and retracted from engagement with the material to be carried thereby. The present invention is concerned with a device of this general character.

Prior art sheet materialhandling devices lutilizing gripping shoes most generally employ a parallel linkage between the shoes to selectively effect their movement towards and away from each other. The most common practice is simply t form one of the connecting links as a handle so that the application of lifting force thereto automatically effects movement of the shoes towards each other. While arrangements of this character have met with limited success, they suffer from the common disadvantage that the clamping force applied to the shoes is very limited and relatively irnpositive.

'I'he prior art relating to sheet material handling devices incorporating gripping shoes also suggests arrangements wherein the shoes are mounted on arms pivotally secured together for select movement towards and away from each other. These arrangements have also met with limited success. 'I'hey have the common disadvantage that the arms are subject to high bending forces in operation and that they require awkward mechanisms to force the arms towards each other.

It is, accordingly, a principal object of the present invention to provide a sheet material handling device employing gripping shoes which avoid the shortcomings of the prior art.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide such a device wherein the shoes may be positively moved towards each other and retained in engagement with a sheet of material disposed therebetween.

Still another object is to provide such a device which may 'be readily carried and handled by a single worker. With respect to this object it is another object of the invention to provide such a device which will enable a single worker to carry sheet material of large area, while maintaining the material in a balanced condition.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a device of light and durable construction and minimum complexity.

The device of the present invention comprises, as its basic element, a frame member of generally U-shaped configuration defined by first and second leg portions interconnected by a bight portion. Grippng shoes are connected to the respective leg portions in opposed facing relationship and at least one of these shoes is disposed for movement towards and away from the other. Operating means is mounted on the frame member for reciprocating movement relative thereto to selectively effect movement of the movably mounted shoe towards and away from the other shoe responsive, respectively, to reciprocating movement of said means in opposite directions.

The foregoing and other objects and the detailed construction and operation of the invention will become more apparent when viewed in light of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device, with phantom line representations showing the sheet of material gripped thereby and a human operator employing the device to carry the material to the outside of his arm;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the device shown in FIG. l, with phantom line representations showing a sheet of material gripped thereby and a human operator employing the device to carry the material under his arm;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. l, partially in section and broken away for the sake of illustration, with phantom line represenations showing a sheet of material in the process of being gripped thereby;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the plane designated by line 4-4 in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a modified embodiment of the device, with a portion of the handle thereof broken away to conserve drawing space.

Referring now to FIGS. l and 4, the embodiment of the device therein illustrated is designated in its entirety by the numeral 10. This device comprises, as its basic element, a frame member 12 of generally U-shaped configuration defined by a bight portion 14 and leg portions 16 and 18, respectively. The member 12 is rigid and may be formed of any desired material, such as steel. A hook 20 is fixed to the bight portion 14 to facilitate hanging of the device 10 when it is not in use. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the bight portion 14 is surrounded by a resilient sleeve 22 of rubber or the like at the area thereof normally disposed above a sheet of material handled by the device. 'Ihis sleeve is intended to avoid damage to the edges of sheet material by contact thereof with the bight portion.

A gripping shoe 24 is mounted on the frame member 12 inwardly of the leg portion 16 is opposed facing relationship to the leg portion 18. The shoe 24 comprises a rigid plate 26 having a resilient gripping surface 28 secured to its inner side and mounting sleeves 30 fixed to its outer side. The sleeves 30 are received on the leg portion 16 land fixed thereto by set screws 32. Through the latter arrangement, the shoe 24 is iixedly mounted to the frame member 12.

A gripping shoe 34 is mounted on the frame member 12 inwardly of the leg portion 18 in opposed facing relationship to the shoe 24. The shoe 34 comprises a rigid plate 36 having a resilient gripping surface 38 on the side therevof facing the shoe 24 and a pair of mounting llangesv40 fixed to its opposite side. Flanges 40 extend longitudinally of the plate 36 in spaced parallel relationship relative to each other. A pair of parallel links 42 are pivotally secured between the flanges 40 by a pin 44 and extend from the iiangcs to pivotal connection with a web 46 fixed to the member 12. The latter pivotal connection is established by a pin 48 extending through the links 42 and the web 46. Through the pivotal mounting of the links 42, the shoe 34 is secured to theframe member 12 for movement towards and away from the shoe 24. A tension coil spring 50 is connected between the rear surface of the plate 36 and the leg portion 18 and functions to resiliently urge the shoe 34 towards the leg portion 18. The structure supported on the anges 40 is completed by a roller 52 mounted for rotation therebetween by pin 54. The roller 52, as can be seen clearly from FIG. 4, is formed with an annular groove 56 in its outer surface.

A11 operating mechanism 58 is mounted on the frame member 12 and cooperates with the roller 52 to selectively effect movement of the shoe 34 towards the shoe 24, indicated by the transverse arrow line in FIG. 3. This mechanism comprises: a tubular extension 60 slidably received on the leg portion 18 for reciprocating movement relative thereto; and, a ramp or cam member 62 fixed to and extending laterally from the extension. The extension 60 has a slot 64 extending over part of its length and slidably received around a key 66 xed to the portion 18. The key prevents the extension 60 from turning relative to the portion 18 and limits, through its abutment with the ends of the slot 64, reciprocating movement of the extension. The ramp 62 is aligned with the roller 52 and shaped to ride in the groove 56.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the extension 60 is of variable length. This characteristic is provided by fabricating the extension from telescoping sections 68 and 70. The section 68 is slidably received on the portion 18, while the section 70 is telescoped into the lower portion of the section 68. Locking of the sections at various composite lengths is provided by a slot 72 in the section 68 and a bolt 74 extending slidably through the slot into threaded engagement with the section 70. The bolt is designed to clamp against the section 68 to fix the respective section against telescoping movement relative to each other. If desired, a suitable clamping shoe may be provided beneath the head of the bolt. A handle 76 is mounted on the lower end of the section 70.

For the sake of illustration, FIGS. l, 2 and 3 illustrate, in phantom lines, a sheet of material 78 in the process of being handled with the device 10. This sheet might take any form, such as a panel of plywood or sheet rock. FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate, in phantom lines, a human operator 80 in the process of using the device. The operators hand and arm are designated by the numerals 82 and 84, respectively.

In operation, in order to use the device 10 it is simply necessary to place the sheet of material to be handled between the shoes 24 and 34 and then to apply a lifting force to the handle 76. This force functions to slide the extension 60 upwardly on the portion 18 which, in turn, forces the ramp 62 to ride beneath the roller 52. The latter function forces the shoe 34 towards the shoe 24 and clamps the material between the resilient gripping forces 28 and 38 on the shoes. Once the material is so clamped, the handle 76 may be employed to lift and transport the material, as desired. In using the device, the operator may dispose the sheet material to either the outside, or the inside, of his arm, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Generally, it is desirable to carry sheets of great height to the outside of the operators arm. Where the sheet is sufficiently small, it is desirable to carry it to the inside of the operators arm, since this facilitates ease of handling and control. The spring 50 automatically retracts the shoe 34 when the handle 76 is released and the extension 60 is permitted to lower relative to the portion 18.

FIG. 5 illustrates a modied embodiment of the inventive device, designated by the numeral a. The majority of the elements making up the device 10a correspond in construction with those of the device 10, with the exception of the differences in shape which are apparent from the drawing. For the sake of simplicity, accordingly, these elements are designated by like numerals followed by the subscript a, as follows: frame member 12a; bight portion 14a; leg portions 16a and 18a, respectively; hook 20a; resilient sleeve 22a; gripping shoe 24a; plate 26a; gripping surface 28a; sleeves 30a; set screws 32a; gripping shoe 34a; plate 36a; gripping surface 38a; and, mounting flanges 40a. The movable shoe 34a is supported on the frame member 12a by a pair of links 42a. These links are similar to the links 42, with the exception that their connection to the frame member 12a is slidable, as well as pivotal. The latter connection is provided by a pin 48a which extends through an upstanding portion of the member 12a and into slidable and rotating engagement with slots 86 (only one of which is illustrated) in the links 42a. A pin 44a pivotally secures the lower ends of the links 42a to the flanges 40a.

The operating mechanism for the device 10a designated in its entirety by the numeral 88, comprises: a pair of crank arms 90 (only one of which is illustrated) disposed in transverse alignment on opposite sides of the portion 18a; an ear 92 fixed to the portion 18a and extending between an intermediate portion of the crank arms 90; a pin 94 pivotally mounting the arms 90 on the ear 92; a pin 96 pivotally securing the upper ends of the arms 90 between the anges 40a; a tubular extension 98 slidably and telescopically received on the lower end of the portion 18a; a flange 100 fixed to and extending upwardly from the extension 98, said flange having a slot 102 extending therethrough; and, a pin 104 secured to and extending between the lower end of arms 90 through slidable and rotational engagement with the slot 102. While not illustrated, it is to be understood that the lower end of the extension 98 corresponds in construction with the extension 60. Preferably, this is true of both the telescoping adjustable length construction and the handle.

In operation of the device 10a, lifting of the extension 98 functions to slide the extension upwardly on the portion 18a and, in turn, pivot the crank arms 90 in a counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise movement of the arms is designated by the arrow line leading from the pin 96. This movement of the crank arm moves the shoe 34a towards the shoe 24a, as designated by the arrow leading from the shoe. Movement of the shoe, in turn, functions to pivot and extend the support links 42a. Thus, similarly to the device 10, lifting of the handle secured to the extension functions to effect a clamping operation between the gripping shoes. Conversely, retraction of the extension functions to open the shoes.

Although not illustrated, it is be understood that the device 10a may be employed in either of the manners depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the device 10.

What is claimed is:

1. A grip for clamping and carrying sheet material, said grip comprising:

(a) a frame member of generally U-shaped configuration dened by rst and second leg portions interconnected by a bight portion, said frame member being disposed so that the U-shaped configuration thereof is in an inverted position;

(b) a first shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said rst leg portion for support thereby in opposed facing relationship to the second leg portion;

(c) a second shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said second leg portion in opposed facing relationship to the first shoe for movement towards and away from said rst shoe;

(d) operating means mounted on said frame member,

said means comprising:

(1) an extension slidably mounted on the second leg portion for movement generally axially relative thereto towards and away from the bight portion, said extension extending downwardly from the second leg portion to provide a handle, the lifting of which effects movement of said extension towards the bight portion; and (2) an inclined cam surface on said extension;

(e) a cam follower mounted on said second shoe for engagement with said cam surface to establish operative association between said operating means and said second shoe; and wherein:

(1) movement of said extension towards the bight portion effects movement of said second shoe towards said first shoe through the operation of said cam surface and follower; and,

(2) movement of said extension away from the bight portion permits movement of said second shoe away from said first shoe.

2. A grip according `to claim 1, wherein said extension comprises:

(a) telescoping sections adapted to be selectively extended and retracted relative to each other to vary the composite length thereof; and

(b) locking means operatively associated with said sections and adapted to effect the selective securing thereof against extension and retraction relative to each other at various composite lengths.

3. A grip for clamping and carrying sheet material,

said grip comprising:

(a) a frame member of generally U-shaped conguration defined by first and second leg portions interconnected by a bight portion;

(b) a Ifirst shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said first leg portion for support thereby in opposed facing relationship to the second leg portion;

(c) a second shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said second leg portion in opposed facing relationship to the first shoe for movement towards and away from said first shoe;

(d) operating means mounted on said frame member said means comprising:

(l) an extension slidably mounted on the second leg portion for movement generally axially relative thereto towards and away from the bight portion; said extension extending downwardly from the second leg portion to provide a handle;

(2) a crank arm pivotally mounted intermediate the end portions thereof to the second leg portion, said crank arm having one end portion pivotally secured to said extension so that movement of said extension towards and away from said bight portion effects pivotal movement of the crank arm about the mounting thereof to the second leg portion;

(e) a pivotal connection between said shoe and the end portion of said crank opposite that pivotally secured to said extension to establish operative association lbetween said operating means and said second shoe, wherein:

(1) movement of said extension in one direction effects movement of said second shoe towards said first shoe; and

(2) movement of said extension in an opposite direction permits movement ot' said second shoe away from said lirst shoe.

4. A grip for clamping and carrying sheet material,

said grip comprising:

(a) a frame member of generally U-shaped configuration defined by first and second leg portions interconnected by a bight portion, said frame member being disposed so that the U-shaped configuration thereof is in an inverted position;

(b) a first shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said first leg portion for support thereby in opposed facing relationship to the second leg portion;

(c) a second shoe mounted on said frame member inwardly of said second leg portion in opposed facing relationship to the first shoe for movement towards and away from said first shoe; and

(d) operating means mounted on said frame member, said means comprising an extension slidably mounted on the second leg portion for movement generally axially relative thereto towards and away from the bight portion, said extension extending downwardly from the second leg portion to provide a handle, the lifting of which effects movement of said extension towards the bight portion; and wherein said operating means is operatively associated with said second shoe to:

(1) upon movement of said extension toward the bight portion, effect movement of said second shoe towards said first shoe; and,

(2) upon movement of said extension away from the bight portion, permit movement of said second shoe away from said first shoe.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,543,017 2/1951 Hagan 294-104 XR 2,549,918 4/1951 Miller 294-104 2,911,251 ll/l959 Osborn 294-116 XR 3,149,851 9/1964 Adams 294-103 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 35,426 7/ 1921 Norway.

GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner U,S. Cl. X.R. 

